Millwall forward Femi Azeez has revealed his ambition to reach the Premier League after making a dream start to life with Nigeria’s senior national team.
The 24-year-old announced himself in style by scoring twice on his Super Eagles debut as Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe at The Valley to book a place in the Unity Cup final.
Nigeria will now face Jamaica on Saturday night at Charlton Athletic’s stadium, with Azeez hoping to cap off an unforgettable international break with silverware.
The attacker, who has attracted transfer interest following an impressive Championship campaign with Millwall, admitted that his first taste of international football has only increased his hunger to compete at the highest level.
“I had a good season in the Championship and obviously, to do it on the international stage as well was just that next step up,” he told Sky Sports.
“Whenever I achieve something, I’m always hungry for more. I’m never satisfied with what I’ve got.
“I’m always going to work towards that next level because I’m ambitious as a footballer and as a person, and I want to reach as high of a level as possible.
“The Premier League, is obviously the pinnacle of football. I’d love to play in the Premier League. So obviously, working hard, I’m going to do whatever I can to get there.”
Azeez enjoyed a standout season for Millwall, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in 35 Championship appearances.
The Lions finished third in the table before suffering a painful playoff defeat to Hull City, who eventually secured promotion to the Premier League.
Despite the disappointment, Azeez believes the club can be proud of what they achieved throughout the campaign.
“I’ve had a good season. Put in some good numbers and good performances.
“But as a team, we’ve done incredibly well, to finish third in such a tough competition.
“It’s a credit to everyone, obviously the manager, the boys behind, the boys in the team, the guys behind the scenes and whatnot.
“I think we’ve had an incredible season and obviously it wasn’t meant to be for us this season with the playoffs.
“In football, anything can happen. Hull were better on the days.
“Nevertheless, we’re all proud of what we’ve achieved and we’re all hungry for more.”
The Super Eagles are now chasing a fourth Unity Cup title, but for Azeez, simply representing Nigeria has already become a special milestone in his career.
The forward admitted the emotions hit him fully when he saw his Nigeria jersey before kick-off against Zimbabwe.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve expected this, the call-up. I’m honoured to be here.
“When I was in the dressing room before the match against Zimbabwe, I looked at the jersey with the kit and I was like, wow, this is incredible.
“Obviously having a Nigerian dad and obviously a Nigerian family, it was like I can’t really describe it. I was just excited, elated, honoured, proud. All those emotions came into one.”
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